Avani+ Samui Review

A quiet yet invigorating resort with plenty of hidden charm

I’ve previously mentioned how great it is to travel to Thailand, and the island of Koh Samui is no exception. Far from the slightly maddening crowds of mainland Thailand, Koh Samui features plenty of beachside properties to escape to. Surrounded by the sounds of nature and plenty of great weather, there’s a lot to see and do – or you could simply enjoy the sanctuary of your own private villa.

Avani+ Samui is the newest addition to the island’s lineup of resorts, and while it may not appear to be as grandiose as some its neighbors, it’s still a fantastic place to stay at.

Day 1

After a quick flight from Bangkok airport and a 40 minute drive from Koh Samui airport, I arrived at the welcoming Avani+ Samui Resort. Home to 58 rooms and pool villas, there’s a number of accommodation options to choose from depending on how you’d like to enjoy your stay. The larger two-bedroom villas are perfect for small groups and families, and adjacent villas can also be booked to ensure that the group all stays together.

My home for the next few days was a Avani Pool Villa, which features plenty of sunlight streaming in right onto the bed. A very spacious bathroom with walk-in shower is at your disposal, though I secretly wished it had a bathtub so that I could unwind from my flights. A small outdoor area and spacious pool are also yours to enjoy, which is great for a quick dip if you don’t want to explore the hotel’s main pool. It’s a very comfortable and airy space, with accents of the beach and very calming tones and fabrics being used throughout the room.

As you walk towards the beach you’ll come across the resort’s only restaurant, Essence. A small coffee shop sits in the lobby for a quick coffee or snack, but most of your dining will be done at Essence. You may think that having one restaurant limits the cuisine on offer, but the kitchen is more than adequate at churning out all kinds of specials throughout the week (make it a point to ask for their truly indulgent chocolate brownie). Essence serves a minimalist breakfast buffet, with a la carte items being prepared and brought to your table as and when you’re ready for them, which is preferable than having a surplus of food sitting out in warming containers.

Essence is also where I was scheduled for my first task of the day – a private cooking lesson with the chef and a brief education in Thai cuisine. The resort does arrange for early-morning market trips with the chef as well, which is an eye-opening experience that I highly recommend indulging in. The cooking class covers a good variety of dishes and Thai ingredients, with the chef explaining each one and its uses in Thai dishes. Everything from vegetarian spring rolls to Penang chicken curry is taught to you step by step, and you’re encouraged to ask as many questions about each dish. The reward of course at the end of it all is sitting down to a wonderful four-course menu that you’ve cooked yourself –all packed with wonderful flavors.

A visit to the Avani Spa is a great remedy for any weary traveller, which was my next destination. The spa offers a healthy variety of local massage techniques and treatments, and the staff are more than happy to walk you through the extensive treatment menu to ensure that you’re getting the most out of your spa visit. I opted for a traditional Thai massage, which extensively focused on my back with short, deep massage strokes to work out tension and loosen my shoulders.

Dinner of course, was a special indulgence – a beachside four-course BBQ with tantalizing food and drink, accompanied by some incredible fire artists that perform regularly at the resort. It’s a mesmerizing experience and certainly one that you won’t see very often, so ensure that you’re able to stick around to watch this dazzling performance. The food is equally mesmerizing, with large platters of grilled meats and fresh seafood materializing rapidly on the table. Freshly grilled prawns atop soft jasmine rice make for a wonderful treat, and tender cuts of beef and chicken satay are hard to resist. It’s a spectacular reflection of the resort’s hospitality and quality, marking a very satisfying end to my first night.